70's Suede

Collaboration with Lily Lulu

'Winter is coming, the crunch of ice will soon be upon us, lingering autumn leaves burrowed in desolation. A kiss of death, red glossy lips, dark brows set in stone. Open the passage door, poisoned with fear, a whisper of torture in your ear. Sweet and sickly, pour the blood, sanctify the pit, let the bones rise again. Ghostly armies, chariots and whips, a sweet price to pay when the demons are near. Engulf me in flames, a pagan ritual sacrifice, bury me whole let the demons take me. Good or evil a halo of gold, heat upon flesh, rule of three. Body and mind unite as one, singular or plural distinction is irrelevant. Walk into the hungry flames, take me whole, sever your alliances, there are no labels here'

Lily Lulu's: Context

A directional boutique, Lily Lulu's luxe 'fall collection' places an emphasis on the modern 70's woman; with flair and energy she takes life in her stride and looks to urban culture to direct her look. Combining the luxe aesthetic of Zara with the street style archetype of Missguided, Lily Lulu is fashion forward with an eclectic artistic vision. Pouring over trend scrapbooks, Lily Lulu's has delivered a 70's inspired collection, favouring a utility palate in hues of khaki and mustard, while suede remains autumns most popular product. Inspired by the intricate detailing of leaf veins, green suede has been updated this autumn in structured fabrics and feminine pleating that transcends fashion boundaries.

Societies obsession with suede orginates from the 70's where suede shirts were layered over waistcoats and flares and has transferred into skirts, shirts and more. The midi skirt is a popular transitional piece with the ability to transcend seasons and has become a modern day staple after its popularity in the 50's. Flirtatious with a sprinkle of demure glamour the 50's skirt has been combined with the iconic 70's hue khaki. Modern tailoring creates a sophisticated accordion style skirt contrasted against the Grecian gladiator heels and layered coin necklace.

Empowerment through Fashion

The development of our economy has produced disposable income to equip us with a brand new wardrobe every season and enables us to follow the latest trends. But for many disposable income is an impossible dream, manipulated into thinking that 'acceptable' fashion is purely owned by the wealthy. Magazines and other media publications publicize designer fashion as the accepted norm, refusing to acknowledge the average buyers needs, desires and income. In a world where only 1% of the population is owned by the rich we must celebrate high street chains that deliver high quality yet affordable fashion that can look good on any man or woman. Fashion has been reduced to monetary value and it saddens me that prices are increasing to match the demands of the designer market rather than to accomodate the needs of the masses. Fashion is an artistic medium through which your identity is defined through and not a cash cow that determines your social standing in society. If social value is connected to financial income and fashion a cultural experience then we must work together to present fashion as an accessible medium to all persons regardless of class or other social labels that may segregate them from the norm.

What drew me to Lily Lulu's boutique was its emphasis on fashion with a social consciousness;in other words an ethos that targeted us 'normals' without forcing us to resort to extortinate prices. As a graduate I have been left with little money to support myself but my cultural affiliation with fashion has meant that is nearly impossible to not buy clothing on a regular basis. For that I am eternally grateful that brands such as Lily Lulu's have given me such incredible oppurtunities.

Which brings me to my next point, in a world defined by lavish spending can we comprehend the destitution of the poor? Poverty may be the subject advertised on all social and institutional mediums but are we doing enough to end their desolation? We may not be the wealthiest citizens that is true but I have always found that it is the poor that empty their pockets and sprinkle gold dust upon every person that they meet... but the wealthy is a different case altogether. I want you my readers to stop and think, feel blessed for the luxuries that you have and grateful that your basic human needs are fulfilled on a regular basis. I can feel my heart shatter into fragments as I relive their torment; at the hands of mother nature they are powerless, pawns in a chessboard of the wealthy's own making. With no fresh water, no disposable sanitization the poor are deprived of their free will and forced to live in endless torture for the majority of their days.

I may not seem like a typical advocate of justice but I am fiercely dedicated to helping the lives of others and reclaiming their identity as a free nation. I have always been an outsider and it is the 'socoal other' that has the capacity to unlock a new generation where fashion is an art, where the poor have wealth and no disparity and the disadvantaged or labelled youths have the chance to rebuild a brighter future. In an egalitarian state equality would eventually cease to exist so I would invent a new state where binary opposites such as 'good' and 'evil' would still exist- as life must be counterbalanced- but a greater emphasis on human rights would be prevelant.

Progression can be slow but together we as a nation can fight for disparity and create a vision that is inclusive. Inclusitivity is integral to changing our perception of the social other or another group that challenges the social norm. Do you my readers rebel against conformity in the hope that one day your voices may be heard? Are your values and norms rejected by society in the hope that you will become a passive vessel of their own ambition? If the answer is yes then join me in the fight against social injustice and let me become your voice.

How can you help end auesterity? As a fashion blogger it is granted that I make up a feasible percentage of the markketing industrys expenditure but three quarters of my clothes are given to charity to help improve the conditions of others that need it. I donate to charity when I can and will always attend a fundraiser or set up my own if I can. It may be a small step but even a pound can help towards a better future. No matter how much or what you do in the name of justice, your good deeds will be written in stone, ingrained in the memories of others. Ask yourself what can I do in the name of charity?

Let fashion show you the way forward and donate your unwanted clothes to 'clothing banks' charity shops or even sell online and sell the proceeds to a charity of your choice. If you have empowered others through the medium of fashion then drop me a comment in the box below and let your actions speak for themselves.

*Disclaimer:In conjunction with Lily Lulu's Boutique I have received the 'Anna skirt' and 'Ciara Necklace' for 40% discount and can offer my loyal Springbots a generous 15% discount. Just use the Anna15 code at the checkout. Available on all items excepting sale products.

Much Love Springbots xox

Sunglasses: Sheinside

Bag: Quilt

Top: Miss Selfridge

Necklace: Lily Lulu

Skirt: Lily Lulu

Shoes: Primark

Necklace:Mink and Stone

Location: Radnor Gardens, Twickenham